Thursday, October 16, 2008

After watching the debate last night, in the end it mattered about issues but the temperament and style of the two men mattered the most. Barack won that hands down.

John McCain just comes across as a grumpy, old grandfather who hates everything. When you look at a person like this, first thought is to get away, fast. Folks, temperament and intelligence after George W. Bush is not only needed but, REQUIRED. The wedge issues and anger is not needed, nor required this time.

McCain last night shored up his conservative base. And if you need to do this NOW, it is really too late. This time should have been used to speak to independent voters who have just ran to Obama and away from McCain.

Am I overly optimistic? Yes, but my pessimistic side is working in tandem. This is a democratic year, the issues are on our side, our candidate is fabulous, our future first lady stellar, our vice presidential candidate and family are fantastic, we just have to do the last bit.

On morning joe, all the news organizations was in front of his home, on his block, while neighbors watching to interview him. But when you are shot into infamy, be careful of what you wish for.

Already the oppo research is being performed on Joe and this tidbit is emerging, "he is not registered to vote." Apparently, Joe is not. This is the plumber so concerned about taxes and somewhat cornered Obama a few days ago in Ohio. You would think that for this significant issue he would be registered to vote.

Geez, why listen to him if he does not take his civic duty seriously? Makes one wonder if this man is real or a fraud?

John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in their third and final presidential debate Wednesday night at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

During a fast-paced, spirited, and sometimes heated debate, McCain had his best debate, but Obama still won.

WINNER: Obama Won, But McCain Had His Best Debate

STRATEGY: Obama: A McCain: A

STYLE: Obama: A McCain: A-

ACCURACY: Obama: B McCain: B

Strategy

During the debate, McCain put Obama on the defensive, raised questions about Obama's ties to former 1960s radical William Ayers, and spoke directly to Ohio voter Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumber, who had pressed Obama on his tax plan.

The fact that McCain was able to make Wurzelbacher a character in this debate is why this was his best debate.

Wurzelbacher asked Obama Sunday about his tax plan, explaining that he is getting ready to buy a company that makes $250,000 to $280,000 a year, and Obama has said he would raise taxes on people who earn more than $250,000.

During the debate McCain was able to pounce on this and ask why Obama would want to raise taxes on anyone in this economic climate. It's an argument we may be hearing a lot of over the next few weeks.

"Of course I?ve talked to people like Joe The Plumber ... Now my old buddy Joe, Joe the plumbers out there ... Hey Joe you?re rich congratulations!" McCain said, talking directly to Wurzelbacher at several points during the debate to make his point.

McCain was able to set the agenda on a lot of issues, like taxes, and especially with Wurzelbacher.

We may also see the McCain campaign use Wurzelbacher in campaign ads in the coming days.

However, Obama did not get ruffled. He handled McCain's attacks extremely well. He was cool, he remained calm, and he did a good job of explained his positions, especially when he looked directly at the camera and said, "My health care plan will not fine you" -- a charge that the McCain campaign has been leveling against Obama. continue

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